Skelly’s Farm Market one of six recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Tourism Award.
Skelly’s Farm Market won the 2025 Governor’s Innovation Tourism Award. Skelly’s implemented groundbreaking use of technology to enhance the visitor experience. A pioneer in corn maze design since 1998, Scott Skelly has continuously pushed the boundaries of visitor engagement. In 2022, Skelly developed a cutting-edge mobile app that integrates smartphone-based gaming with the corn maze experience, transforming traditional farm attractions into interactive, video-like adventures. By 2024, Skelly and his wife Laura further advanced the app to include multi-level challenges and the nation’s only known escape room within a corn maze. Skelly’s Farm Market is a model of how technology can drive tourism, strengthen rural economies, and ensure farm sustainability. Their innovations attract tens of thousands of visitors annually, making the farm a deserving of this prestigious award. Skelly’s highlights the transformative impact of agricultural tourism across the state, showcasing their contributions to economic growth and visitor experiences.
Wisconsin Agritourism
Agricultural Tourism plays a vital role in Wisconsin’s economy, blending the state’s rich farming traditions with unique visitor experiences.
“Agricultural tourism is more than just a weekend visit to the farm—it’s a key economic driver that supports local businesses, educates visitors about our farming heritage, and strengthens rural communities,” WATA Executive Director Sheila Everhart said. Destinations and organizations like Skelly’s Farm Market highlight the importance of agriculture in shaping Wisconsin’s identity while providing hands-on experiences that resonate with visitors.
The Governor’s Tourism Awards were created in 2010 to honor excellence, leadership and innovation in Wisconsin’s travel and tourism industry. Across six categories, 66 individuals and organizations were nominated for the awards in 2025.
More Recipients
- Legacy Award- Thomas Diehl (Tommy Bartlett Show owner)
- Bright IDEA Award- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Service Award- Will Jeffrey (American Pond Hockey)
- Rising Star Award- Cory Bennett (Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce)
